We applaud EA's efforts to make the game as authentic as possible, but the kits don't look great close up. The Man U one is last season's. There's no Nike sign on it. How do the likenesses fare down the league? Badly.

It's a cute platformer that fills the gap between the overly-kiddified TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2 and Sony's more challenging Jak and Ratchet games. [PSW]

Has its fair share of crusty titles you won't play, but the good ones are absolute gems. 15 is a bargain price to relive your misspent youth, if only for a few precious hours. [Off Xbox UK Magazine]

Essentially a pornographic playground, it's proof that games don't necessarily have to be about sport, war or goblins.

It's the sort of game you'll stick with to the end in spite of yourself, and you may even find yourself chuckling once or twice along the way too. [PSW]

There's just something missing from the end result, and though the pleasingly simple gameplay is great fun in short spurts, LSL hasn't quite got the stamina for any schlong-lasting appeal.

It's not an exciting, adrenaline-pumping game and it does border on the easy side, but with multiplayer options (online and offline) for up to eight players, we could soon see the birth of tomorrow's generation of FPS warriors.

At their best, the Pro Skater games were a sport in themselves, requiring lots of skill. While the thrill of the trick is still here, it's deluged in a misfired attempt at frat-boy cool.

In short, it's probably the best extreme sports game ever made, the only real caveat being that it's rubbish without a decent gamepad. [PC Zone]

Overall this isn't bad, it just takes a lot of getting used to, particularly the isometric view. It's worth persevering, because, apart from actual skating, this is the most board-based fun you'll have on the move.

It may be more cartoon-like than its predecessors, but provided you haven't grown tired of all those boomerangs, kick-flips and boardslides, it is certainly the one to get. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

If Shade was scrapped and given yet another redesign, the to-do list would be endless - wishy-washy combat, braindead AI, insipid level design, soul-crushing puzzles, a towering stack of bugs.

It is a resource hog, let's make no bones about it. Any game that comes on two DVDs and requires 6GB of disk space isn't exactly appealing to everyone. But if you can find a way to accommodate the game, not just on your HD but in your hardened gaming soul, you'll find plenty to reward you.

Yes, that's what it is: it's Second World Warcraft.

Like Austin Powers it adopts the faux-Bond villain theme very well, without becoming too camp or dampening the challenges. Above all, it's hugely entertaining and manages to keep dishing out the surprises all the way through.

It's not in the same league as the infamous plumber, and the partner/weapon gimmick isn't new (Whiplash - Issue 27, 8.1 - did it before), but it's a sturdy exercise in comic gaming. We'll even forgive the fact it's ginger. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

The presentation, as mentioned, is superb - just check out the way if you pause the game, the screen will flick to a newspaper article detailing your current level and predicament. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

You might be bored in a week, but it's perfect for bringing your family around when they complain that games are turning you into a violent social outcast.

It looks good, but when you get to know it better you realise it lacks depth.

Jaw-dropping battle engine, Staggeringly deep yet intuitive strategy map, Fiendishly lifelike AI.

While there's little here that we haven't seen before in some shape or form, Kohan II brings it all together tidily. RTS fans, or those looking for a better than average example of the genre, should lap it up.

It's rare that an action role-playing game works as both an 'action' and 'role-playing' game, so to come across such slick combat and a deeply involving character upgrade system here is a real treat.

It's beautifully simple, but also brings an element of tension as there's always a few seconds between issuing commands by tapping the left mouse button, and seeing them carried out on the battlefield.

It's basic, it's clichéd, it's blokey... oh, and it's expensive and short, but Shadow Ops: Red Mercury is still a hoot. If you're after a brainless gun-fest with plenty of blowing-up, give it a few months and see if you can pick it up on the cheap. [PC Zone]

Suit up for one of the best superhero romps on Xbox, believers. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

It's uncharacteristically short for an RPG, but those Mega Man action junkies have short attention spans.

When you get a whole group of you as Dark Troopers jetting all over the levels, blowing each other up and causing ridiculous mayhem, Battlefront is laugh-out-loud hilarious.

Fast, furious and gorgeous to behold... Ultimately, it's the visuals rather than the strategy that will endear Warhammer to the interactive generation, and it isn't stretching things to proclaim Dawn Of War one of the best-looking strategy games we've ever played.

It might be a whole lot of fun and it might be the best golf game you can buy, but unless you create your own courses, there's very little challenge here.

It might look old-skool from the screenshots, but GP Legend totally flies. Races are so tight this is guaranteed to get your heart pumping.

World-class Star Wars games are like Endor buses: you wait light-years for one and then two turn up within 12 months of each other. Do the galaxy a favour: buy it now.

Perhaps the biggest new feature for this year's ice hockey outing is the inclusion of Live compatibility...This essentially adds months to NHL 2005's appeal, and will turn the already feverishly loved title into a true competitive tussle.

With a bit more thought put into the story and increased variety in each level, this could have been as good a retro game as Neo Contra. But sadly, even when priced at just 20 it's a risky purchase. [PSW]

There are moments of clarity when you become almost ashamed at what you're doing, such is the senseless waste of time and effort. But the fact that it can actually make you care is a definite achievement. And while we fully expect to grow to hate it - and the inevitable flurry of hateful expansion packs - for the time being we're hooked.

Grumbles are few. There's a bit too much to-ing and fro-ing between your hideout and each objective, especially when you're forced to backtrack from one end of a level to the base in order to switch to another character. [PSW]

By far the worst aspect of the game is the horrendous control system, which flicks confusingly between third- and first-person views, while the camera sweeps all over the shop and does its best to disorient you.

One of the most impressive and rewarding expansion packs of recent years, matching and occasionally even outstripping the quality of its outstanding parent. But it could be a fully immersive VR porn sim for all you care - you'll still buy "Doom 3" instead.

One quibble comes with the ugly texturing of the player models - perhaps a hangover from the console versions, or maybe just misjudged artistic direction. Either way, they need fixing. And that's about that. [PC Zone]

The only ice hockey game worth giving a flying puck about.

We love this game for all the reasons a lot of people will hate it: the wacky characters, the 'holy grail' nature of the combat system to be mastered by only the very best players, of which we admit we are not worthy (yet).

As solid as Port Royale 2 is, few people can afford to have more than one seafaring adventure in their collection. With "Sid Meier's Pirates!" due in port very soon, we reckon you should hold fire on this one.

Graphically, it looks dated. Yes, it has the same look and an identical user interface to that from RollerCoaster Tycoon, but here the colours appear drab, the maps flatter and some of the tiles don't appear to connect all that well, making some parts of the map look like an Escher illusion. [PC Zone]

Tasks as simple as wandering around are frustrated by the controls reversing as the camera angle jumps, while during the frequent combat bits you'll spend more time fighting with the clunking movement mechanism than with the denizens of Silent Hill.

So for all the weak enemy AI and graphical glitches, ABZ remains a decent and carnage-filled team-based blaster, worth checking out when the price drops.

This is a quality game, in terms of both presentation and design. It's traditional, but within its genre it represents a considered and intelligent take on those traditional rules. [PSW]

But for those who are prepared to persevere, there are well over 100 hours of turn-based heaven in store. [PSW]

It's only when something large or coveted decides to take a bite that the game lurches from 'pleasant but dull' to 'almost quite exciting'. Well, for about thirty seconds anyway, until your would-be prize catch drops the lure and swims off. After that it becomes dull again. [PSW]

SRS features an impressive amount of depth, but the lacklustre gameplay may put the handbrake on you ever really appreciating it. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

It's fun while the novelty hasn't worn off, but very repetitive and dull soon afterwards. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

The platform traversing puts you in mind of "Prince of Persia," only with a handy pole you can whip out to vault over large gaps. It doesn't show the same levels of genius as Ubisoft's game, but it's still reasonably good fun for the younger player.

In truth there wasn't much wrong with last season's ESPN NHL Hockey, and the minimal changes aren't enough to justify buying NFL 2K5 as well. [PSW]

Missions are just too long and leave your hands feeling numb. By the time you've shot down your 20th enemy plane before the first save point comes along, you really don't have much interest in seeing what comes next.

Everybody's Golf invites comparison with the similarly cartoonish "Outlaw Golf 2." Sadly it comes off second best again, thanks to that game's wealth of tournaments and play modes, and its attractive 19.99 price tag. [PSW]

The equivalent of the summer's biggest Oscar-winning blockbuster, it's breathtaking, and destined to become an adventure classic. Totally unmissable.

The look is reminiscent of "Theme Park World" - colourful, but not particularly detailed - although the animals have been put together with some charm. This, coupled with the lack of any real challenge, makes the game a reasonable option for animal-loving kids, but not a lot more.

But this is gaming at its most depressing - it's clear to man and beast that the controls of this game simply do not work and are no fun whatsoever. Why don't you just fix it? Or, perhaps, you could just STOP MAKING ARMY MEN GAMES.

Those who've been dying for a proper RPG on GameCube have just had their prayers answered. If you've never played through a game of this sort before.

TrackMania isn't a hugely polished game, but it's a breath of fresh air to play a game with a half-original concept. It feels (and, critics might add, looks) like the games of my youth (and so the rest of the team's middle-age), when originality sold as much as generic graphical kiss-kiss-bang-bang. [PC Zone]

An empty shell of a shooter with a bottle of Costcutters own-brand vodka at its core, Kreed plays like a badly translated Russian tech demo from two years ago.

It is, however, an ambitious, pioneering effort that has plenty to offer the dedicated real-time strategy player. If you appreciate its ultra hi-tech scenario, you'll find plenty of enjoyment here.

It's not all bad. Apart from the acting and character animation. Oh, and the interface. And the story. True, some of the puzzles do make a twisted kind of sense. But there's nothing gripping about it. Life's too short, basically.

What we have here is a Spidey-themed action title aimed squarely at the younger PC gamer - think bright colours, no real-life guns (the bad guys tote silly sci-fi bubble-pistol thingummies instead) and gameplay so easy you can sail through it in a single afternoon. Gritty it ain't.

The novelty tables (L-shapes, triangular, etc.) aren't mental enough. The closest thing is the slippery ice hockey table. They built an amazing pool simulation, but surely the next step was to subvert that with crazy game stuff?

If you're going to have a game that lets you bet in excess of thousands of dollars, it might be an idea to have a system that lets you type in the amount of the bet, rather than forcing you to click a hundred f***ing times to get anywhere near the high numbers. You know, just a suggestion. [PC Zone]

A thrilling and beautiful RTS that sucks you into its world of war and carnage, shakes you up with its intensity, plot-twists and booming aural assaults, then spits you back out into reality as the end credits roll. It's by no means a masterpiece, but it is one of the most tactical, rewarding and entertaining RTS games money can currently buy.

But it's the wrestling side that has really been beefed up. A new control system finally makes the action flow back and forth like only wrestling can. Plus the controls are easy to learn and get you into the thick of the action fast, pulling off fancy moves.

It can only be a matter of time before the first number one single created on a console goes top of the pops - MTV is that good.

But it's the wrestling side that has really been beefed up. A new control system finally makes the action flow back and forth like only wrestling can. Plus the controls are easy to learn and get you into the thick of the action fast, pulling off fancy moves.

Remarkably boring, and even diehard fans of the series are probably better off without it.

Bland environments and dull gameplay leave Rainbow Six 3 feeling disappointingly empty. If the AI was more realistic and there was some texture in the worlds this would have been much better.

Every bit as bowel-rupturingly tense and terrific as the Xbox version. Sneaking has never been so freaking fantastic. A supreme stealth master!

Don't have any illusions: this is simply more of the same. But then as they say, if it ain't broke, carpet bomb it with a Lancaster.

A great little game. It's original and funny, and although it is repetitive it packs enough challenge to keep you entertained long after you've nabbed the final piece of booty.

One of the most addictive sporting experiences ever presented on a console.

It doesn't look as spectacular as other RPGs and does little to win over newcomers, but fans of epic turn-based quests and strategic battles will greedily gulp down every last drop of this heady brew.

It's Sonic business as usual, with few surprises. We still love the little guy and the game looks gorgeous, but maybe it's time for the old dog to try some new tricks.

Imaginative and brilliant - exactly as every Legend Of Zelda game should be. The GBA-connectivity angle just makes things even more magical.

It's all pretty simple. Crash collects Wumpa fruit, Spyro collects crystals, and they both jump over lots of spikes.

It's all pretty simple. Crash collects Wumpa fruit, Spyro collects crystals, and they both jump over lots of spikes.

Unfortunately, all the developer's good efforts are ruined by the stinking, incompetent AI, especially in the realms of pathfinding.

Derivative but fun and the EyeToy support is a great bonus. Won't win over Harry-haters but fans will be willy, er, wand-waving into the wee small hours.

If Floo Powder, Dementors and Fizzing Whizbees mean anything to you, get this game as soon as you can. But be warned, the simplicity of it might mean a part exchange within a few days.

What's so captivating is FSW's constant assault on your senses - whether shaken by explosions or hanging on live-or-die decisions, you are always in the thick of it.

Are we too battle-hardened to sense the full impact of Vin's Xbox debut? More likely the game isn't packing quite the dynamite as its potential suggested.

Limited and uninspiring, Spartan won't satisfy anyone with an inkling of the quality of other games on the market.

The story is great, the tension is real and if you like copious adrenal activity then you won't go too far wrong.

The developer has actually managed to make the original Pac-Man games worse than they were 20-odd years ago. Jerky animations, a Pac-Man that's not even round and... Oh, I give up. Lucky it's only a tenner or we would have been really piqued.

The game mechanics might seem simple but the freedom and depth is astonishing - a dark and engrossing return for the Godfather of Stealth.

Although Future Tactics doesn't quite have the humour or breadth of "Worms," and the multiplayer game isn't as all-encompassing as it should be, the campaign mode is quite endearing (even if the voice talent is god-awful), and the Trumpton visuals are sweet, if somewhat last-gen.

But playing Euro 2004 is a strangely seductive experience, even for hardcore PES fans like us. It's all so official, so slick, so sparkly, and so stylishly smooth while still playing some decent footie that we'll even forgive it for not being PES. Vive 2004!

Playing Euro 2004 is a strangely seductive experience, even for hardcore PES fans like us. It's all so official, so slick, so sparkly, and so stylishly smooth while still playing some decent footie that we'll even forgive it for not being PES. Vive 2004!

But playing Euro 2004 is a strangely seductive experience, even for hardcore PES fans like us. It's all so official, so slick, so sparkly, and so stylishly smooth while still playing some decent footie that we'll even forgive it for not being PES. Vive 2004!

Red Dead's venomous cocktail of sassy action, swish visuals and sharp scenarios make it a fresh and ballsy alternative to most other third-person console blasters currently roaming the paddock.

This is the second best pool game for your PC. If you must have one, get "Pool Paradise" instead.

It's certainly not the greatest platform adventure ever, but it's imbued with the same charming humour as the film, with all manner of sight gags that tip a knowing wink to fans of the movie.

What makes the campaigns such a joy are the masses of scenarios they contain - some 130 in all. Practically every individual territory now has its own associated mission, giving each game a unique flavour.

The way I see it, the only reason you might want to carry on playing is because you've already invested so much time in getting to where you are - which sounds like a lot of hard work to me. [PC Zone]

Gritty movie atmosphere and clever storyline fail to outshine the unforgiving gameplay. It's got some great ideas but could've been so much better.